ACS Postdoctoral Fellowship Awardees

In a major accomplishment for both their careers in cancer research, Drs. Tomas Zelenka and Stanislav Drapela, two postdoctoral fellows at Moffitt Cancer Center from the Czech Republic, have been awarded the esteemed American Cancer Society (ACS) Postdoctoral Fellowship. The award not only recognizes their exceptional scientific contributions but also highlights their potential as future leaders in the fight against cancer.

Dr. Tomas Zelenka:

Dr. Zelenka earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in molecular biology and biochemistry with a focus on fungal ecology in the Czech Republic before transitioning to a PhD program in Greece as a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow. His research during this time focused on the molecular mechanisms of T cell development, which laid set the background for his current work on cancer immunotherapy. Throughout his training, Dr. Zelenka sought out opportunities to broaden his scientific knowledge, attending workshops and internships across Europe and the United States, supported by institutions such as EMBO and the Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation. These experiences have given him a unique skill set in a combination of experimental biology and computational data analysis.

Dr. Zelenka, who is under the mentorship of Dr. Dorina Avram, current research is focused on enhancing the immune system's ability to fight cancer by modifying the transcriptional programs of tumor-infiltrating T cells. His work seeks to increase the effectiveness of these immune cells, which play a crucial role in the body’s ability to target and destroy cancer cells.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity this fellowship provides,” Zelenka says. “It’s a prestigious and competitive award that confirms I’m on the right path toward becoming an independent scientist.” The fellowship is a step forward toward Dr. Zelenka’s long-term goal of leading a research team focused on epigenetic regulation in aging and cancer and where he hopes to integrate both experimental biology and data science in his work.

Dr. Stanislav Drapela:

Like Dr. Zelenka, Dr. Stanislav Drapela’s path to becoming a cancer researcher began in his home country of the Czech Republic. Dr. Drapela earned his PhD in Animal Physiology from Masaryk University. During this time, he was introduced to the molecular biology of cancer under the mentorship of Dr. Karel Soucek at the Czech Academy of Sciences, which ignited Dr. Drapela’s passion for cancer research. In particular, he became interested in epigenetic regulation and metabolic features of metastasis with the ultimate goal of discovering novel targets to prevent metastasis and cure cancer, which then led him to Moffitt Cancer Center.

Since joining Moffitt in 2021, Dr. Drapela has been under the mentorship of Dr. Ana Gomes, researching how aging influences breast cancer metastasis, specifically the metastasis of breast cancer cells to the lungs. His goal is to uncover the molecular mechanisms that drive this process and to identify therapeutic strategies that could improve the quality and longevity of life for elderly patients. Dr. Drapela views the ACS Postdoctoral Fellowship as an endorsement of the significance of his work.

“Being awarded the American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship makes me confident that I follow the right path and that my work is meaningful and important,” Dr. Drapela reflects.

Looking to the future, Dr. Drapela aspires to become an independent principal investigator, leading a research program that explores how factors like race and age influence the heterogeneity and evolution of breast cancer metastasis.

Advice for Current Trainees looking to pursue this path:

Both Drs. Zelenka and Drapela offer valuable advice to aspiring researchers. Dr. Zelenka encourages young scientists to embrace new opportunities and be open to exploring different research directions. “Take the chance to learn new methods and dive into new fields,” he advises. “While you may encounter challenges along the way, the experiences you gain and the broader perspective you develop will greatly benefit you both personally and professionally as a scientist.”

Dr. Drapela, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of resilience. “Stay motivated, be persistent, and always bounce back stronger from obstacles.”

These two outstanding researchers exemplify the dedication and innovation driving cancer research forward. With their American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowships, Drs. Zelenka and Drapela are sure to make significant contributions to our understanding of cancer and the development of more effective therapies for patients worldwide.